CLEVEDON, NORTH SOMERSET

At Antony and Hayley Wild’s ambitious self-build project, in Clevedon, North Somerset, VELFAC glazing has delivered contemporary design and unexpected architectural versatility, while also proving ‘very, very cost effective’.

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‘Crisp, uniform’ finishVELFAC composite units feature throughout the double-fronted property. Full height multi-unit windows are installed on ground, first and second floors, and above the front door to create a partially glazed atrium, while VELFAC glazed doors are used in the rear façade and to provide a rooftop exit onto a terrace. ‘VELFAC is different from competitor products because the frame remains the same size across all unit types, and this delivered the crisp, uniform look we wanted,’ comments Antony. ‘The composite frame can also feature different finishes,’ he adds: ‘We chose dark grey for the external aluminium frame to match the zinc roof and front door, and to contrast with the white render and cedar cladding. Internal timber frames are painted off-white, complementing our cream and white colour scheme.’

Same system – multiple usesSystem versatility was another important advantage, says Antony. ‘We specified a full height curtain wall for the rear façade and were able to use cedar panels within the framework where the system passes the floor slabs – and all from the same VELFAC system. We’ve also installed triangular louvres to hide the MVHR vents, again from VELFAC.’

Standard VELFAC double-glazing easily met the couple’s energy efficiency requirements, despite the number of windows installed, and the couple was also impressed with features such as 180o degree door hinges (to allow exterior doors to fold flat against the wall when open), and window hinges which allow cleaning from the inside. ‘Together with low overall maintenance and excellent insulation, VELFAC has proved much more cost-effective than we originally thought,’ they conclude, ‘and the system will continue to save us money over the longer term.’

The house is now a local landmark, and was featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Building the Dream’.